Whenever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.
Seneca
Today, I spent a lot of time with my mother. Below are just a few of the things I've done with her today.
- Eaten lunch with her
- Did leg exercises with her
- Helped her get up to go to the bathroom at least 3 times
- Changed CDs for her at least 5 times
- Read to her from the Bible
- Talked to her
- Changed her clothes after her catheter leaked
- Got her a glass of ice water
- Put muscle rub on her knees
- Put anti-itch cream on her back and shoulders, to help with a rash she picked up at the nursing home
And probably a dozen other things I've forgotten. The important thing is that, along the way, I learned a lot about what she likes and doesn't like and what sorts of things I might be able to do from a distance that would help her and what I can't. In the end, there is no substitute for being with our aging parents at least several weeks a year, to keep track of how they are and what their likes and dislikes are. Unlike the more stable period of adulthood, old age is a bit like childhood, when things can change quickly and only seeing with your own eyes, will help you know for sure how your parents are now. Touching base, can help in understanding their wants and needs.
I don't have time to share what I've learned so far because I've got to do some more things for my parents. So, I may miss quite a few days here, but I'll share what I've learned when I return home.
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